Being the #1 public university in the nation, UCLA is home to extraordinary students of all genders, race, creeds and origins who will no doubt shape the future. From public policy to technological advancements and humanitarianism work, UCLA Bruins have truly proved to the world all they have been capable of and set a precedent of what people can expect from a group of such well-rounded and talented individuals.
As important as it is to reflect on the accomplishments of Bruin’s past, to truly move forward in innovation and education, we must look to a more progressive future which, finally, is coming up female. Here are some extraordinary Bruin women who will change the world. Be sure to remember their names!
Makenna Brown, Political Science Major
Makenna Brown: My dream career is to become a politician at the federal level. Not necessarily for my entire career, but ideally I can dedicate my life to helping others and my time in office could be spent doing what I’m unable to do as an ordinary citizen. I know it is cheesy or even unrealistic to some to believe that I can actually enact change via the political sphere, but I’d prefer people view me as naive than to accept the alternative of there being no hope of making our political system and world better.
Feminism to me is simple. It is supporting other women and speaking out against inequality between the sexes. Currently, I think it is crucial that, domestically, women solidify our bonds and connection with each other so that we can all stand together to oppose the people and regimes around the world that do not allow women the same rights we have in the US, and often times are subjecting them to even worse circumstances that are unfathomable to a lot of us.
A lot of the women who have recently entered politics within the past few years have been a huge inspiration to me. Women such as Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and many many more I believe are part of a new generation of politicians that are going to make real change and not just in favor of millionaires on Wall Street. AOC especially has been a huge role model for me lately. I think we need more politicians who directly speak out against the injustices and issues with our political and justice system. People who are in it to actually better the lives of their constituents and future generations, not being blinded by immediate reward while neglecting all the long term damage those rewards do.
Sydni Brown, Sociology Major
Sydni Brown: My dream career is to own my own birth center. To me, feminism means equality among all genders. I’m empowered knowing that the path I chose for myself is the right one, and regardless of what I’m doing, I know I’m making someone proud.
Rubie Amaya-Yanez, American Culture and Literature Major
Rubie Amaya-Yanez: I want to be a lead of public relations or fundraising manager for a major corporation. It would be amazing to provide support and work for homeless people through the Los Angeles Area, focusing mainly on Los Angeles youth. The principal of feminism for me is equality and equity. Each is necessary to produce a fair and equal society. It is the idea that you empower those surrounding you with your feminine power and acknowledging intersectionality through all platforms. I feel empowered everyday by acknowledging I was raised by a household of women from diverse backgrounds, and knowing that I am actively trying to achieve a better future for myself and the ones I love.
Rachel Teo, Psychology Major
Rachel Teo: I want to become an emergency pediatrician or a psychiatrist. I’ve always been interested in Psychology and it was actually Criminal Minds that got me into Psychology. I originally wanted to be an FBI agent, but I’m not a U.S citizen, so the closest thing to that is a psychiatrist. And a pediatrician because I love kids and I want to help them. I am empowered by reflecting on my day and writing down what I’m grateful for and through finding motivational and empowering quotes.
Sophie Seeholzer, English Major
Sophie Seeholzer: I want to be a writer/author. My passion for literature and writing has been with me since I was a young child. I am empowered by the challenges of adversity and the positive role models in my life (my mom, sisters, etc.) They inspire me to continue to pursue what I love.
Thank you to all the women who gave Her Campus at UCLA a look into what we can anticipate in a future that is female!